A Team-Based Approach For Children With Congenital Cardiac Disease Undergoing Antireflux Procedure With Gastrostomy

Introduction Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with gastrostomy tube (LPNF-GT) placement is often indicated in children with congenital cardiac diseases (CCDs) for nutritional optimization. This study aims to evaluate institutional outcomes of LPNF-GT, with a team-based approach in operative management. Methods Five years of an institutional database at a tertiary care children's hospital was queried for LPNF-GT in children with CCDs. Descriptive analyses were performed. A national comparison was performed utilizing the 2012-2013 Pediatrics NSQIP database, using propensity score matching. Outcome measures of interest were operative-time, unplanned readmission, and 30-day mortality. Results A team-based approach was utilized in 51 cases. Median operative time was 68.5 (IQR: 48-89) minutes. All patients tolerated tube feeds postoperatively. All patients survived 30 days post surgery. When compared to 136 similarly matched children nationally, the risk-adjusted operative time with a team-based approach was 47.38 (12.43-82.33) minutes shorter (P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences in the likelihood of being in the hospital past 30 days, unplanned readmissions, and mortality (P > .05). Conclusion LPNF-GT can be safely performed in children with CCDs. A team-based approach demonstrates improved operative time and achieved similar outcomes when compared nationally.